Background: David had been king for many years, and the kingdom was secure

He had been obedient to God’s will

But Satan had other plans for David

He would prompt him to call for a census to count his soldiers

David’s Folly; Sin Shame Suffering Sacrifice

1 SIN (1-6)

Satan Provoked: Selfish

Satan came at David in a weak moment, and David’s faith was shaken. Satan wanted David to depend on self, not God.

David hearkened: Self-sufficiency

Purpose was to know the number of men David had at his disposal. He had never requested this before, so why now?

Satan may have used the “what if” game with David as in, “What if the Philistines attack?”

David wanted to know how many men he could call on to defend the land

Joab protested, reminding him that God had always met their needs

But David as King insisted, making him solely to blame for this sinful census

Joab cautioned: Secure in God’s protection

While Joab had not always been the picture of virtue, he was wise enough to know that God had always provided for his people. Even when the odds were heavily against them, God always came through. David’s word was the law in the land. Joab had no choice but to serve his king.

2 SHAME (7-8)

According to 2 Samuel 24:8, it took almost ten months to complete the count

It was only after the count was given that David realized his sin

He confessed it, and God would forgive, but there were still consequences

Consequences that would affect all of Israel

In persisting in his demand, David was taking responsibility for the census which took almost ten months to complete. (2 Samuel 24:8)